FIRST LOOK

15 – 20 minutes.

I know… The controversy. Yes, it’s a myth that if you see your groom before your ceremony, your marriage will end abruptly. And I fully understand the superstition thing. Maybe not with this, but I sure as hell won’t walk under an open ladder. So I would never pressure you to do a first look. But if you are on the fence about this, my advice is to make a pros and cons list, and tailor it to your own expectations. Here are a few reasons people are either for or against the “first look.”

Con: The surprise factor is ruined.

Con: We’ll get divorced.

Pro: There is still a surprise factor, but instead of having an audience witness this special moment, it becomes a much more intimate and personal surprise that only the two of you will share.

Pro: Your man won’t feel like he has to hide his emotions. Dude, you can cry your eyes out in front of me. I would love that (says the photographer who thrives on emotional images). Your bride would also love that. And we promise we won’t judge you, nor will we tell a soul.

Pro: The nerves are no longer there. Walking down an aisle in front of tons of people can be terrifying. A first look calms the nerves, so instead of concentrating on not tripping, you can direct all of your attention toward McDreamy.

LIGHTING!

Because first looks typically happen later in the morning or early in the afternoon, I always try to capture these in a shaded outdoor area, or in a gorgeous naturally lit indoor area. The sun casts the harshest light from 10am – 3pm, leaving us with unwanted, and unflattering shadows. Unless it’s cloudy out, we’ll do our best to stay clear of it.